ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm at a crossroads with my girlfriend. In our house, we share many of our bills. I take care of things like rent and the car payment for our shared vehicle, and she is supposed to take care of utilities. She has had a history of being a bit reckless with her spending, and I thought that with some of the bills in her name, it ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I think my daughter might be suffering from a broken heart. I'm speculating, but a few weeks ago, she and her boyfriend broke up; he's a rising star on his high school football team, and you know how that goes. Anyway, she's been rude and moody, and she actually ended up pushing her mom during a heated argument. Unfortunately, I ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: One of my good friends has retreated completely. Last year her best friend passed away, and I think that loss is taking a major toll on her. At first, she was holding up all right, but now she doesn't really respond to me or any other friends. I don't think she's active physically or socially, aside from work. I know grief can be...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: Today I saw and smelled someone smoking crack on a subway platform near to where I was standing. I was stunned. I know it happens all around my city -- in theory -- but I've never truly witnessed it in real time, only the aftereffects of it. What could I have done in that moment to help that situation? The subway platform was ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I've always admired public speakers. I have a desire to sit on a panel and share my thoughts, but a part of me struggles with courage, and another part of me questions the authenticity of this desire. Is it OK to aspire to be a speaker, or is that a role that should be granted to someone based on their professional or academic ...Read more